Protestors in the region—increasingly concerned about pollution—have won a number of victories lately. A waste incinerator in the Panyu district has been put-off indefinitely, while an oil refinery was relocated after residents protested, according to Reuters.

Following an economic boom and rapid industrialization, China is facing unprecedented problems with pollution.

The 2010 Environmental Performance Index released by Yale and Columbia University, released today, lists China as number 121 out of 163 surveyed countries. The nation dropped 16 places from the last analysis.

(10/22/2009) In December of 2006 it was announced that the Yangtze River dolphin, commonly known as the baiji, had succumbed to extinction. The dolphin had survived on earth for 20 million years, but the species couldn’t survive the combined onslaught of pollution, habitat loss, boat traffic, entanglement in fishing hooks, death from illegal electric fishing, and the construction of several massive dams. Now, another flagship species of the Yangtze River appears to have vanished.

(10/17/2009) The largest lead smelting company in China has recently admitted responsibility in contributing to pollution leading to poisoning in almost 1,000 children residing near lead factories. Out of 2,743 children tested for lead poisoning, 968 were determined to have excessive lead levels in their blood. Lead poisoning causes anemia, brain damage, and muscle atrophy, among other serious medical and environmental problems. Lead levels in blood samples from the children were 5 times higher than safe limits.